In New York City, securing a reservation at popular restaurants has become increasingly challenging over the past three years, reaching a level of difficulty that many food enthusiasts find daunting.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared insights on this trend, noting that some eateries have become virtually inaccessible. Montaniel mentioned that restaurateurs express their own frustrations when asked for strategies on how to obtain reservations, often admitting they lack solutions.
The situation prompted the New York state legislature to take action last month by voting to outlaw third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where individuals were reportedly reselling reservations for exorbitant prices, reminiscent of ticket scalping for concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, intended to alleviate competition for reservations and safeguard restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative measures, the demand for trendy and luxurious experiences continues to exceed supply. Jaclyn Sienna India, a travel advisor with 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles—a concierge service catering to affluent clients—observes this shift in the post-COVID landscape. India has worked with high-profile clients and underscores the importance of understanding what diners desire and fostering relationships with restaurants to secure coveted reservations.
She pointed out that there has been a noticeable departure from traditional fine dining, with fewer clients interested in lengthy tasting menus. Instead, the focus has shifted towards trendy venues that offer more than just food; it’s about the experience and the status that comes from dining at such places.
For those determined to claim a reservation and enjoy the prestige that comes with dining at some of New York’s most sought-after restaurants, Sienna India suggests persistence and insight into the dining scene.